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Breast Care Centre

WHAT IS BREAST CANCER?

Breast cancer starts when cells in the breast begin to grow out of control. These cells usually form a tumor that can often be seen on an x-ray or felt as a lump. The tumor is malignant (cancer) if the cells can grow into (invade) surrounding tissues or spread (metastasize) to distant areas of the body. Breast cancer occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get breast cancer, too. 

Did you know?

Of the many types of cancer in Sri Lanka, Breast Cancer is the most common.

What causes Breast Cancer?

The triggering factors of this cancer are unknown. It could be attributed to a family history, early menarche or other possible risk factors. As it is difficult to determine, all women are at risk, especially when we are aged 40 and above.

While the factors are unknown, it is most treatable with early detection through regular breast checks.

Risk Factors

  • Early Onset Menarche
  • Late Onset Menopause
  • Late / No Childbirth
  • Breastfeeding for less than a year
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol
  • Smoking
  • Oral Contraceptives 

What are the Symptoms of Breast Cancer?

If u get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, you will be more likely to spot any changes that could be signs of breast cancer. This is important even if you have been for breast screening. look for the following.  

  • A lump or thickening in the breast.
  • A change in the nipple. The nipple might be pulled back into the breast, or change shape. You might have a rash that makes the nipple look red and scaly, or have blood or another fluid coming from the nipple.
  • A change in how the breast feels or looks. It may feel heavy, warm or uneven, or the skin may look dimpled.
  • The size and shape of the breast may change.
  • Pain or discomfort in the breast or armpit.
  • A swelling or lump in the armpit. 

If you have any change to your breast, you should make an appointment with the Asiri Breast Care Center without delay. You may not have cancer. But if you do, being diagnosed and treated at an early stage may mean that you are more likely to survive breast cancer.

The Importance of Breast Care

It is important to take care of your breasts so that you can prevent diseases as well as the signs of ageing. Breast care is essential for every woman regardless of how young or old she is.

Exercise and breast self-examination should become a routine part of your health and wellness practice.

Contrary to common belief, exercising will not increase the size of your breasts, but can shape your breasts, keep them firm and improve circulation.

Regular self-examination is very important. Breast cancer is no longer a post-menopause problem. Routine self-checks will warn you before things become serious. If you notice lumps when you are examining yourself, go to a doctor. It could be a tumour. If your breasts or nipples are very tender, you could have an infection.

If you are 40 years old or over a routine breast screening is recommended.

Your Self-Examination, as simple as TLC

TOUCH

Lay down on a flat surface, resting your head on your hand and use your other hand to check for lumps in either one of the following patterns

Circular

Up and Down

Inwards and Downwards

Do you feel any unusual lumps, thickening or pain either in breasts, armpits or upper chest?

LOOK

Standing in front of a mirror

Inspect both breasts with your arms at your sides

Put both arms on your hips, flex your chest muscles, and compare both breasts while looking out for any noticeable changes or lumps.

Raise both arms slowly, looking carefully for swelling, or noticeable change to breasts or nipples

Observe changes in size and shape, skin texture, colour, appearance and direction of nipples, rashes or crusting of nipple or around, any nipple discharge

CHECK

Anything unusual? Talk to a doctor as soon as possible

 

What is a breast screening?

Breast screening uses an X-ray scan – a mammogram – to check for signs of cancer. A mammogram can identify cancers that are too small to see or feel. 

Why Breast Screening?

Screening examinations are tests performed to find disease before symptoms begin. The goal of screening is to detect disease at its earliest and most treatable stage, with the least radical treatment. i.e. without the need for mastectomies and chemotherapy.

Screening does not prevent breast cancer.

The recommended frequency of screening is as follows,

Woman's age

Frequency of screening

40 – 50 years Annually
50 – 60 years Every 2 years
60 years and over Every 3 years

Benignity

Statistics indicate that over 90% of symptoms/abnormalities found in patients turn out to be benign/harmless in the long run.

Malignance

In order to qualify as malignant, an irregularity found through breast screening has to undergo a triple assessment:

CLINICAL
Consultation

IMAGING
Mammogram
Ultra Sound (below age 40)

HISTOLOGY
Microscopic Study of Sample Breast
Tissue

A Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of doctors at the ABC Centre discuss each case individually and make a decision on the optimal method of treatment. For more information, please see the treatment section below.

About the ABC Centre

The Asiri Breast Care Centre is a unique one of a kind set up with a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) of Specialist Consultants to provide women with effective solutions addressing all breast related issues. These include the management of 

  • Breast Lumps
  • Pain
  • Nipple Discharge 
  • Disfigurement
  • Cosmetic Concerns
  • Gender Transition
  • Breast augmentation, reduction

ABC is a "one-stop" solution for ALL breast related concerns, handled with sensitivity and in the strictest confidence.

The Members of the Multi-disciplinary team are,

The MDT consists of the following members

  • Dr. Himaru Wirithamulla, General Surgeon
    Will conduct the consultation clinics, screen patients and refer them to the best treatment plan depending on their condition
  • Dr. Yasas Abeywickrama, Plastic Surgeon
    Will consult on the MDT and help provide patients with treatment options and solutions for the cosmetic related issues. I.e. breast reconstruction, breast implants, enlarged breasts, misaligned nipples/breasts, etc.
  • Dr. Shama Gunathilake, Oncologist
    Will consult on the MDT and manage treatment of cancer in patients
  • Dr. Lakmali Paranahewa, Radiologist
    Will consult on the MDT panel and report further examination scans
  • Prof. Udari Liyanage, Radiologist
    Will consult on the MDT panel and report further examination scans
  • Prof. L R Amarasekera, Pathologist
    Will consult on the MDT team and report laboratory investigations
  • The Coordinator for the Breast Care Centre
    The patient’s main point of contact and anchor
  • A Psychologist
    Would counsel and guide patients who are diagnosed with Cancer. Mostly those who require surgery to remove the cancer

Contact

Breast Care Centre location - +041 7 501 501


Treatment and services

Clinic Details

Clinic Details

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What is breast screening?

What is breast screening?

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Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast Cancer Treatment

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Reduce your risk of Breast Cancer

Reduce your risk of Breast Cancer

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